Botswana ComodityVarious PMG and RE Metals.
Prospecting ParticularsThere are two prospecting licenses for the prospecting of base, precious metals, Platinum Group Metals (PGM) and rare earths (RE) in the Khakhea area in the Kgalagadi/Southern Districts. Other prospecting licenses are located in the Masoke area within the Molopo Farms and they are also for the exploration of base, precious, PGM’s and RE. The final prospecting licenses are located in the Bokspits area where prospecting will also be for base, precious, PGM’s and RE. The total area covered by the fifteen (15) prospecting licenses totals12,732.80 km2.
Regulatory MattersThe prospecting licenses are valid for three years. Upon expiry of the prospecting licenses renewal may be applied for three months before the expiry date. Half of the initial area has to be relinquished upon renewal. Commencement of prospecting operations has to commence within three months of the date of issue of the prospecting license. Quarterly reports containing information on prospecting operations have to be submitted to the Director of Geological Survey. Proposed expenditure commitments as outlined during the prospecting license application have to be honoured.
Exploration BackgroundBotswana is a country rich in a variety of mineral resources with diamond being the most significant resource since its discovery in 1967. The Jwaneng open pit mine in the country is considered as the richest diamond mine in the world based on the measured value of recovered diamond.
Unexploited mineral resources, such as gypsum, iron, asbestos, feldspar, chromium, graphite, and manganese, are located in remote areas and below the Kalahari sands. Key StrategyTo carry out preliminary ore characterization studies after which resource evaluation will be carried out. The exploration program is to arrive at pre-feasibility stage by 2021.
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